Did you know that last year our Site Council instituted a new gift and party policy? For those of you who don't know, the Site Council includes parents, teachers and staff, and the principal of Cascade Ridge. Brought on by feedback from parents and teachers the last several years, they felt that it was important to have some degree of consistency across all classes and grade levels. You will receive more information as necessary through your class room coordinators. The policies are as follows:

• Party Policy: Party coordinators have the option to ask their class for a onetime $5 optional donation for all parties for the year. Party Coordinators may also ask for donated items at the time of each party. Parties may have only one treat item along with healthy food options (pretzels, cheese sticks, fruit, veggies). All party activities and foods need to be approved by the teacher.
• Teacher “Class Gift” Policy: Room coordinators have the option to ask for a $5 optional donation per student per gift for a class gift for their teacher. Class gifts can include holiday and end of the year only. Classroom gift donations may not exceed $5 per person per gift. Any class gift must be from the entire class, regardless of donation. Cards can be signed from the class, instead of individual names. Handmade gifts, notes and personal letters are most appreciated by teachers.
• Teacher Appreciation Week: PTSA and the staff appreciation chair will come up with ideas for each day of the week (i.e. card, wear teachers favorite color, apple, staff lunch, lattes by parents). Specialist will be included each day. No money will be collected for a teacher gift for this week. Room Coordinators will get the word out to class about events decided upon by PTSA for each day. Cascade Ridge shows appreciation to teachers and staff each month with lunch put on by parents.